Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 20 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

According to Brian Nakamura, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 17% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

Next Steps

The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 1,821 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 1956 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

Timeline

The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.